Aging in Place and Technology #6

Environmental Controls

Environmental Control is my last entry in this series. The most recognized goals are comfort and energy savings. Common applications are lighting and HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning). For our purposes safety and supporting independence are the focus.

Many household elements can be controlled remotely or automatically. They include safety, task and mood lighting, entertainment components, seeing or hearing who is at the door, and even unlocking it. X10 is the basic industry standard for radio wave controls as well as a brand name. Programmable thermostats have been around for quite a while. The variety of functions have grown significantly. Lutron, a leader in lighting controls, has a range of systems for shades and lighting. What are additional Aging in Place benefits?

Personalizing space for comfort and usefulness is emerging. Temperature and lighting are both good examples. We know that some like it warmer, some cooler. LED lighting will help us select light that works best for each of us. The right light qualities may relieve the need for glasses. What if your wristwatch, pendant, or an implanted chip helped the room adjust as you enter? Energy would be saved and our homes will be better suited to our individual conditions.

Robot vacuums are available. They are time savers for harried consumers. We see their value when balance and stamina are limiting factors.

Remote window control illuminates an issue. Providing a remote operator for window control may allow someone who has trouble getting up to enjoy the good breeze and also close the window as the day cools. Or does it allow a person to be lazy and avoid what exercise they might get opening the window on their own? For some the remote is liberating. For others the remote is less positive. If I was leaving my dad alone on the couch all day while I am working, I want him to enjoy the day as he sees fit. If he cannot get up or getting up may use the energy he needs to visit the bathroom I think the opener is a great idea. Please also see my recent post Riding with the Radio Off.

A keyless lockset can offer access without a resident needing to ‘answer the door’. Coupled with a wireless intercom, a guest, delivery or caregiver can be granted access while preserving strength.

New ovens change from refrigerator mode to cook mode. Load a casserole before work so it stays cool all day and is warm when you get home. Call it an advanced crock pot. A further advance is a remote control oven. Change the start time from your cellphone while having a second drink with your buddies. These developments and dreams are called Smart Homes.

These are not far off “Star Wars” ideas. Those that are not available are just around the corner.The also illustrate the importance of Universal Design. Products that come to market as difficult and confusing as the average TV remote will not be easily adopted by Aging in Place consumers. If the developers and engineers work with less tech savvy consumers to get these products right before they go to market everyone will benefit including folks who could figure out how to work it but will be relieved of that technical hassle. That is Universal Design in action. Benefits for consumers at the population fringe benefit everyone.